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Please see our events page for information on upcoming courses. If you would like to request a continuing education course in your area, please contact Debra Earl.
Montana Watercourse has developed a certified continuing education course that satisfies environmental mandatory credits for real estate agents. Montana Watercourse partners with local water resource professionals to develop and conduct this important and worthwhile educational program focused on water resources. As more land in Montana is developed, wetlands and riparian areas are often located in the most desirable places to live due to the wildlife and scenic benefits. Although these areas provide a potential higher market value, real estate agents and landowners need to be acutely aware of the potential costs and benefits to owning property with wetlands and riparian areas. This topic is very timely and appropriate for real estate agents in Montana which is experiencing rapid influx of people from out of state who are unfamiliar with these issues. This course can be tailored to focus on pertinent local or statewide issues and can cover:
• Introduction to Montana’s watersheds and water resources
• Economic benefits of wetlands and riparian areas for landowners and the community
• Overview of local water resources
• Regulations, permits and laws concerning development near wetlands and riparian areas
• Water rights
• Ground water / surface water issues
• Water resource conservation programs and incentives
• Artificial Ponds and constructed wetlands
This class highlights the important aspects of water resource regulations and how they pertain to land use and management, often a subject matter of which many landowners are unaware. Penalties for violated regulations can be severe. Therefore, the proposed course will increase real estate agent understanding of the basics of these regulations and who to contact for more information. Local experts and agency employees who work with regulatory programs are invited by the Montana Watercourse to speak, personally connecting the agents with people who can assist them and their clients in the future. Introducing the people who work with the permit system on a daily basis to the agents is an effective way to encourage working relationships between the landowners and the regulators. Often preliminary communication between landowners and regulators can prevent future headaches and monetary fines.
Many landowners are also unaware of the potential funding sources available for wetland restoration projects that can increase the selling power of a property. There are many organizations and agencies that provide not only financial assistance, but also technical advice for landowners with water resources. Knowing these options will help real estate agents understand the various options for landowners as well as enable them to guide their client through important decisions.